Gendered division of labour in construction sites in Zanzibar

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how the gendered division of labour in construction sites in Zanzibar influences earnings, resource ownership and wellbeing of female and male construction workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies were made in five construction sites in Zanzibar where informal interviews and questionnaires were used to collect information; a total of 150 construction workers participated.

Findings

Finds that through the gendered division, women are subordinated; and that the social position of women, subjects women to a vicious cycle that hampers acquisition of construction skills.

Research limitations/implications

The research has limited itself to Zanzibar, a society with an influence of Arab culture. Future research in other cultures could be of interest in order to investigate the influence of culture on such studies.

Practical implications

Women need to acquire technical training that would improve their employment situation. Women working on construction sites should not consider themselves as compelled to be in a “fit‐in situation” rather they should reject discriminatory values. The acquisition of construction skills and training should be a strong initiative from women themselves.

Originality/value

This paper establishes how gendered divisions of labour in construction sites influences earning, resource ownership and wellbeing of female and male site workers.

Citation

Eliufoo, H.K. (2007), "Gendered division of labour in construction sites in Zanzibar", Women in Management Review, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 112-121. https://doi.org/10.1108/09649420710732079